The Sioux City school board has approved offering $20,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the mother of a student sexually exploited by former educational specialist.

The Sioux City Journal says the board approved the offer Friday with no discussion. Superintendent Paul Gausman noted there is no signed settlement agreement, nor has the lawsuit been dismissed.

The lawsuit says the negligence of Sioux City Community Schools and IowaJAG Inc. was responsible for 30-year-old Erick Deleon's ability to have contact with the 16-year-old girl after school hours. Deleon was sentenced to three years of probation and a suspended five-year prison sentence for a count of sexual exploitation by a school employee.

The mother's attorney says both Deleon and IowaJag have agreed to settlements, but declined to disclose the amounts.